Appointments to the board of all State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) are a prerogative of the National Government.
The Department of Personnel Management Secretary John Kali said in a statement following the Coalition of Union’s calls for the removal of expatriates on SOE boards.
“The union statement also covers a dispute between the PNG Power and the Energy Workers Union, which is not part of the public service,” Kali said.
“Appointments to the board and to the CEO position are the sole prerogative of the Government of the day, in which the unions have no part to play. Any industrial matters affecting the union members must be brought to the Industrial Registrar through the laid down procedures.”
Kali added that the process of appointment is merit-based.
“For the first time, appointed leaders are signing performance-based contracts subject to regular review. The government can remove agency heads that have not performed at any time during the period of their contracts.”
Kali also said he is writing to the president of the Public Employees Association to request for dialogue in line with the MoU they have.
Meanwhile, Public Enterprises and State Investment Minister William Duma said on the floor of Parliament that PNG Power needs outside expertise and professionals to move the state-owned company forward.
But the Energy Workers Union, backed by the Coalition of Union, is calling on the government to remove expatriates appointed to the PNG Power board.
Caption: File picture of John Kali.